Cuba Defeats Panama 3-1 in World Baseball Classic Opener
San Juan, Puerto Rico – Cuba secured a 3-1 victory over Panama in their opening game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool A on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Hiram Bithorn Stadium. The game, attended by 10,015 fans, saw strong pitching from Cuba and key home runs that propelled them to victory. The game was broadcast on FS2.
Key Moments and Performances
After a scoreless first inning, Yoelkis Guilbert launched Cuba’s first home run of the tournament in the second inning, giving his team a 1-0 lead. Guilbert finished the game going 1-for-3 with one RBI and one run.
Cuba extended their lead in the third inning with another home run, this time from Yoan Moncada, scoring Cappe and bringing the score to 3-0. Moncada, playing in his 11th MLB season with the Los Angeles Angels, went 1-for-3 with one home run, two RBI, and one run.
Panama managed to score their only run in the seventh inning when Camargo singled to left, allowing Bernal to score. However, they were unable to rally further against Cuba’s pitching.
Pitching Dominance
Cuba’s starting pitcher, Livan Moinelo, earned the win after pitching 3.2 shutout innings, allowing only two hits and two walks while striking out four batters. The Cuban bullpen continued the strong pitching performance, combining for six no-hit innings with six strikeouts and only one walk.
Panama’s bullpen also performed well, delivering six no-hit innings with six strikeouts and one walk, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome.
Statistical Highlights
- Cuba: 5 hits, 2 home runs, 3 runs
- Panama: 5 hits, 0 home runs, 1 run
- Ariel Martinez (Cuba): 2-for-4 with two singles
- Yoelkis Guilbert (Cuba): 1-for-3 with one home run, one RBI
- Yoan Moncada (Cuba): 1-for-3 with one home run, two RBI
Next Games
Cuba will face Colombia on March 8th at 12:00 p.m. Eastern time. Panama will play Canada later on the same day at 7:00 p.m. Eastern time.
Game Details
Date: March 6, 2026
Location: Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Final Score: Cuba 3, Panama 1
Source: MLB.com Source: Reuters Source: Flashscore.com Source: ESPN